Protect Yourself with Insights from Our Experts
For more than six decades, SC Johnson has been using our insect science expertise to help people protect themselves from insects, including those that may spread disease
Minimising your exposure to mosquitoes
Our advice comes from decades of experience
SC Johnson operates one of the largest private, urban entomology research centres in the world.
One of the best ways to protect yourself from mosquito bites is by using a personal repellent.
The threat of mosquitoes
mosquitoes are the deadliest animal in the world
mosquito species, some of which can carry diseases
number of eggs a mosquito can lay at a time
lifetime of a typical mosquito
Understanding the risks
These are just four of the dangerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans by insects.
Malaria is one of the world’s deadliest diseases. Even in 2024, it takes the life of a child under 5 every minute – a statistic SC Johnson and our dedicated partners are working to change.
Dengue is an emerging disease. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito. Dengue is common in humid locations, including areas in the United States, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Zika is an emerging disease. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected female mosquito. Symptoms can last for several days.
Lyme disease is the most common vector-borne disease in the United States. It is transmitted through infected ticks.
Did you know that more than 600,000 people die from malaria every year? Or that children under 5 are the most vulnerable to being infected with malaria? In fact, it takes the life of a child under 5 every minute.
That is why we are committed to working towards the prevention and eradication of malaria for families everywhere. We invest in education, partnerships and innovative solutions that can help protect people from mosquitoes that can carry malaria.
FAQs about mosquitoes and bite prevention
Review these frequently asked questions to help protect yourself and your family from mosquitoes that can carry disease.
Only female mosquitoes bite. They use blood as a source of protein for their eggs, and they lay their eggs after a meal of blood.
Adult Aedes aegypti mosquitoes typically bite actively during the day, particularly in the early morning and at dusk. They are attracted to people primarily through the carbon dioxide in people’s breath.
Other factors, such as clothing colour and skin smell (as in perspiration) may also influence biting behaviours. Lighter clothing colours are considered less attractive to mosquitoes.
Applying a personal repellent correctly can help protect you from mosquitoes. Before using a personal repellent, always read the product label first to make sure you are using the product that is right for you and your family. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the particular repellent you choose.
Personal repellents should be used on exposed skin and clothes to prevent mosquitoes from biting. Be sure to apply repellents only to exposed skin and clothing and never underneath clothing. If you plan to wear sunscreen, apply it first and then insect repellent on top.
N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide, also known as DEET, is an active ingredient found in many personal repellent formulas. It is a nearly colourless liquid with a faint characteristic odour. In 1946, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) developed DEET for use by the US Army. The liquid became available for civilians in 1957. Today, DEET is registered as a personal insect repellent for direct application to the skin and can be used on both adults and children when used as directed on the label. SC Johnson makes a variety of DEET products under the Autan® and OFF!® brand names. While our Greenlist™ ingredient selection programme means we are always looking for better and better ingredient options, DEET has a solid, long-standing reputation. It has been applied by people many billions of times for over 60 years.
Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Icaridin or Saltidin) is, like DEET, an effective active ingredient in personal repellents. Picaridin is an odourless, colourless and non-greasy liquid that leaves little trace on the skin and repels mosquitoes. First used in Europe in 2001, it has since been adopted around the world.
Personal repellents with Picaridin do not dissolve plastics or acrylics, making them well suited for various recreational gears and certain clothing.
Dengue is another key insect-borne disease with widespread effect. About half the world’s population is now at risk of dengue, with an estimated 100 to 400 million infections occurring each year across more than 100 countries.
The mosquitoes that spread dengue are found in most tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including many parts of the United States.
The WHO has helpful information about dengue and its impact worldwide.
Click here to download additional information from SC Johnson.